The University of Salford recently held its annual Kirklees Composers Competition — previous winners of which have included the likes of Ludovic Neurohr, Dan Price, Richard Rock and Franner Otter.

Held at Peel Hall on the university campus, the jury of Howard Evans, Graham Horsfield (Kirklees Music), Robin Dewhurst and Dan Price, with special guest Nigel Clarke (who also held a well received workshop) presented the 2015 award to Andrew Crampton for his composition ‘The Memories of Zoltan’.

High standard

Once again there was a high standard of entries from students, with highly commended awards going to compositions by Alex Henshall, Bradley McCulloch and Shane Murray for their respective works, ‘Tournament of Shadows’, ‘There and Back’ and ‘Virus’.

The winner of the ‘New Arrangement’ prize was Ryan Broad for his arrangement of ‘Finding Nemo’.

On the evening, the University of Salford Brass Band, under conductors and presenters Howard Evans and Brett Baker was ably assisted by 11 members of the Kings Division Band with whom the University has a close association.

Delighted

The newly crowned winner, Andrew Crampton told 4BR: “I'm delighted to win such a prestigious award against such fantastic competition.”

Andrew, who studies conducting and performance, and who is a bass trombonist with Pemberton Old Wigan DW Band has recently been offered a place on the masters programme at the Royal College of Music in London.

I'm delighted to win such a prestigious award against such fantastic competition2015 winner, Andrew Crampton

Working hard

He added: “We have the Salford University Ensembles Competition next Wednesday at Peel Hall so the trombone section are working hard to get a win again as we defend our title.”

Meanwhile, on Friday 13th March, Black Dyke principal euphonium Gary Curtin will perform at Peel Hall in front of the 450 strong student community at the weekly Friday lunchtime recital series.